A massive green ash tree listed in the state's "Big Tree" registry, is set to be taken down Tuesday.

Terre Haute urban forester Sheryle Dell says the tree has become a hazard.

She says Indianapolis-based natural resources consulting group Davey Resources examined the tree and found significant decay, including one large branch with 75 percent decay. She says some of the branches on the champion tree are as large as many full-sized trees, and if one fell, it would strike a home or the sidewalk.

Joy Sacopulos, a member of TREES Inc., a Terre Haute environmental and civic group, tells the Tribune Star it has entered the tree in the state rankings each year since the 1990s and it has always been the state champion green ash.